I went out and got a fishcat tube today and was wondering if there are any good tips to help a newb as i've never been in one before. My uncle told me good fins make a huge difference and to not get the cheap ones, I have not gotten any yet as all i could find were the ones he told me not to get, his look like diving fins. I was also informed to make sure to attach anything i don't want to watch sink to the bottom. should i get a small collapsible paddle, what are some necessities to bring with. I plan for my maiden voyage to be this coming thursday at possibly willard bay[fishin] weather permitting.
Any help or advice is appreciated.
thanks
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It's critical that you install several hundred feet of PVC tubing that has been fashioned into various geegaws prior to putting the tube in the water. This is much more important than what fins you use.
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I have a pair of Aeris Mako fins and I really like them. They do some good motoring and are reasonably light weight. I can't really compare them to other scuba fins that are available, something else might work for you better. I also have some of the "lesser" ultralight backpack fins.
[url "http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000Q227TY/ref=oss_product"]http://www.amazon.com/...27TY/ref=oss_product[/url]
And on the paddle question, no. If you are in good shape -- then a pair of fins will do you.
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I can show you a little about tubeing although I use a kickboat a.k.a. pontoon boat, If you'll show me where to fish at Willard.
I bought the Force Fins and love them.
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[cool][#0000ff]Like many other subjects on fishing, the choice of fins is a personal preference thing. Besides budget you should consider what kind of fishing you will be doing and what kind of craft you will be fishing from. For example, if you fish from a pontoon there is less of your leg in the water and most of your kicking will be forward kicking. The Force Fins are proven more effective for pontoon use. But, if you are sitting lower, in a Fish Cat, you will want fins that allow you to "flutter kick"...with power on both the up and down stroke. Almost any good divers fins will do the job.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]I have been using the Mares Plana Avantis since about 1985. Have tried others during that time and have not found anything I like better. And you can find some super deals online if you look hard enough. A couple of the things I like about them is that they have a big soft foot pocket and instant adjustment on the straps. I can adjust mine to be comfortable throughout a full year of fishing...from wearing only a light pair of water shoes to wearing neoprene waders, booties and a couple of layers of thick socks. Same fins.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]There are some "package deal" fins available through some suppliers that are made to appeal to budget buyers. They WILL work, but often cost you a lot in comfort and propulsion efficiency.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]The advice to use a connection strap is a good one, especially for newbies. It takes some practice to get the adjustments right and you do not want to lose a fin while on the water. Contrary to what you might hope, you CAN NOT propel yourself with only one fin. It takes a balanced kicking effort to move in a straight line...or to turn the direction you want.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]One suggestion I often make to new tubers is to buy the fins LAST. Get your waders and decide what you are going to wear over the soft neoprene foot pockets...divers booties, water shoes, tennies or whatever. Then and only then should you buy the fins. Fins have to fit over the largest load you will be wearing during the year...but should have adjustability to allow you to shed some of the bulk in warmer waters and still have your fins fit.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Here is a link to an online discount diving site that has some good deals on fins. Don't get caught up in all the foo foo features that are made for divers...not tubers.[/#0000ff]
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[url "http://www.scuba.com/scuba-gear/Fins.html"]http://www.scuba.com/scuba-gear/Fins.html[/url]
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Hi Matt, welcome and enjoy
I have been tubing for probably close to TD's years. Grew up with the Snake as a back yard, which doesn't really mean squat as things have changed immensely and what I used back then is no longer around.
I do need to ask you, what are the BAD flippers. To be honest, I have never had BAD ones. They all work, specially with a tube as TD pointed out. A pontoon is a little different.
I still have (and use) some back packing fins that are just flat piece of fin shaped plastic with a cloth upper. They work fine.
I am one that does not see the need for scuba fins, however they do seem to be a fair price, and you don't need boots or shoes with them.
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Get a good pair that fit your feet and waders. You will need a pair of fin savers (the straps for your ankles and fins) for I didn't have them my first time out and now there is a pair of fins on the bottom of strawberry.
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he was referring to the short hard plastic ones, he said they worked, but the longer diving style you don't have to work as hard to get somewhere and if you got caught in wind then you really had to work the longer ones just made for an easier more relaxing trip.
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I agree with this. I have the browning fins. There are two models similar one by creek company and one by classic accessories. I think they would be better for you. Can also wear them with wading shoes (flats style).
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Congrats on the new Fish Cat! There are a lot of guys using them on the lake I normally fish here in San Diego. As far as fins go, I personally would have to recommend the Force Fins. I had a pair of the DIVING ones that I bought years ago and when I started "tubing" on my H3, I initially wore a pair of the really long Mare's fins and they hurt my feet so bad that I was pretty miserable the whole first trip out. The next time I went I used the Force Fins and WOW, what a difference they made! I would not use anything else. Only problem with the FFs is that they are a tad on the expensive side BUT you can probably find a good used pair on Ebay or Craig's List if you are patient enough and decide to get a pair. You are going to LOVE fishing from a tube, I guarantee it!!!
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I am with you. I had the Browning LONG fins and they were just too much and made my whole leg hurt.
Lets face it, if the wind kicks up, you have to be able to dig in.
Any fin will flutter, infact I can do it with my Force fins on calm days. Stick legs straight out and move your feet, you will move on the up and down.
BUT, when the waves get high and the wind kicks in. you have to scoop that water and I agree, nothing beats a Force fins SPOON shape for this
Just on a different note, there has also been ripped muscles from too much fin.
Check this site out:
http://www.nextag.com/float-tube-fins/stores-html
I still use the bottom ones and the Lite Weight
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It is addictive... I was able to combine my love of trolling and fly fishing in one new activity plus get some exercise at the same time. Not a bad combo!
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I have to put in another vote for the lightweight backpacking fins. We have a few of the other fin types (except no force fins) including the scuba fins and the caddis versions etc., but I frequently will just grab the lightweight ones. I have used them for years.
They do a medium job. They are light enough and the scoop is sufficient to get you where you want to go. They are not as aggressive as the swim fins, but also they don't tire you out as quickly. You will build up muscles that you never knew you had, or never knew you needed for that matter! Meantime whatever you have or use don't over do it on the first time out.
I suggest that you try and see if anyone has some different types that you can borrow and try out.
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Whatever you get or borrow, I suggest that you go to a small local pond and try out your tube and fins without your fishing gear. Get a feel for maneuvering and getting in and out of the water before you have a lot of extra stuff with you.
When you have fins on -- walk backwards into and out of the water! I can't tell you how many I have seen do face plants from trying to walk in the water with fins on. Myself included.
You might even see if some of your local sporting goods or scuba stores will let you try a pair for an hour. Also as has been said before get them big enough to go over your waders or boots etc.
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